- By Tapapriya Dutta
- Tue, 23 Apr 2024 01:57 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Manoj Bajpayee, one of the most versatile actors in Bollywood, has turned 55 today. The actor, who has done several iconic roles, once rejected Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Devdas. Bajpayee was offered a pivotal role in the film but rejected it as he wanted to play the lead role. Sanjay Leela Bhansali offered him the character of Chunnillal. This role was also offered to actors like Saif Ali Khan and Govinda. At that time Manoj Bajpayee was not interested in playing a supporting character, so he said NO to Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Later, Jackie Shroff played Chunnillal in Devdas.
Manoj Bajpayee always wanted to play the role of Devdas. Once sharing the same in an interview with ETimes, he said, “I've always wanted to play Devdas. There have been a few adaptations, but no one thought of casting me. I would love to play that character.”
Devdas is a romantic tragedy film based on Sarat Chandra Chattopadhya's novel with the same name. The film revolves around a higher-class Zamindar named Devdas, who returns from London, and is in love with a girl Paro. Due to the different cast, Devdas’ family disapproves of their marriage. Later, Paro marries a higher-class rich man and Devdas dies at the end of the film. This movie by Sanjay Leela Bhansali was one of the biggest hits of his career and established him one of the most prominent filmmakers in the industry. Shah Rukh Khan played the role of Devdas, Aishwarya Rai played Paro, and Madhuri Dixit portrayed Chandramukhi.
Coming back to Manoj Bajpayee, he gave several cult films including Bandit Queen, Shool, Satya, Zubeidaa, Gangs of Wasseypur, and many more. His series The Family Man is one of the most viewed and loved shows on OTT. Manoj will be next seen in Bhaiyya Ji directed by Apoorv Singh Karki. The film will be released in theatres on May 24, 2024.